Game 1: Knicks at Celtics

By

Gary Dzen, Deputy Digital Sports Editor

April 17, 2011

By Gary Dzen, Boston.com Staff

Tip-off: 7 p.m.
Records: Celtics (56-26), Knicks(42-40)
Broadcast info: CSN/TNT, WEEI

Probable starters:

Celtics:
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Ray Allen
SF: Paul Pierce
PF: Kevin Garnett
C: Jermaine O’Neal

Knicks:
PG Chauncey Billups
SG: Landry Fields
SF: Carmelo Anthony
PF: Amar’e Stoudemire
C: Ronny Turiaf

Storylines:

Opening night: A lot changes in the playoffs. The Celtics have been there together and experienced it as a group. The Knicks are going through it for the first time. We’ll know a lot about the series by the way both teams come out tonight.

Rondo’s team: The Celtics will go as far as Rajon Rondo takes them in the playoffs. Maybe getting some rest this week will do Rondo good. Remember the Rajon Rondo from November? If the Celtics get that guy tonight, they’re going to be special. If Chauncey Billups wins the matchup, watch out.

Center rotation: Jermaine O’Neal will get the start tonight. He’ll split minutes with Nenad Krstic and Glen Davis. Let’s see if O’Neal can play 25-30 minutes in every playoff game with Shaquille O’Neal out. The Knicks are one team the Celtics may be able to get away with going small against. Kevin Garnett could see some minutes in the middle as well.

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